Underground Cave Visit with Food & Wine Tasting near Asti

When you think of Italy’s wine regions, you might picture rolling vineyards and picturesque towns. But just a short drive from Asti, in the charming village of Cella Monte, you can discover a different side of Piedmont — the underground infernòt caves. For $55.80 per person, this 1.5-hour experience combines the mystery of ancient underground cellars with the pleasures of local wine and food tasting.

What we love about this experience is the chance to walk through natural caves used as cellars for centuries, with a guide sharing stories about their history and significance as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Plus, the pairing of four regional wines with local cured meats and cheeses makes it a well-rounded tasting, especially for those interested in authentic flavors. One possible drawback is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. Still, this tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, or curious travelers eager to see a different side of Piedmont.

This experience suits those who enjoy small-group tours with a personal touch, and who want more than just a tasting — a chance to learn about the tradition and craftsmanship behind the wines, while soaking in the atmosphere of ancient underground caves. It’s also a good option for families, as younger guests are offered a craft fruit juice and local snacks, making the experience accessible for all ages.

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Key Points

Authentic underground caves: Discover centuries-old natural cellars called “infernòt” that have been used for wine storage since ancient times.
Regional wines: Sample four types of wine from Monferrato, including a sparkling, a white, and two reds, each with its own story.
Food pairing: Enjoy a generous platter of local cheeses and cured meats, thoughtfully paired with the wines.
Family-friendly options: Younger guests can enjoy craft fruit juice and local snacks, making it suitable for families.
No included transportation: Travelers should plan their own way to the meeting point in Cella Monte.
Duration and scheduling: The tour lasts around 1.5 hours, with various starting times—check availability when booking.
Languages: Guided in English and Italian, providing accessibility for international visitors.
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility for changing plans.

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A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Enoteca degli Infernot

The tour begins at the Enoteca degli Infernot, a charming wine bar located in the village of Cella Monte. The setting itself sets a perfect tone — a cozy, inviting space with a backdrop of imposing underground caves, which immediately sparks curiosity. The host greets guests and provides some background to what’s ahead.

Visiting the Hidden Gems: The Infernòt Caves

The highlight is a guided walk through the “infernòt”, natural caves carved into the hillside. These caves, used historically as cellars or storage for wine and food, are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage designation, emphasizing their cultural importance. The caves are naturally cool and damp, helping wine age naturally — a practice that’s been perfected over generations.

Guests often comment on the atmosphere — cool, dark, and quiet, with a sense of walking through history. Your guide, possibly named Marco or Lucia, shares stories about how these caves helped preserve regional wines and local produce through centuries of social and economic change. As one reviewer noted, “It’s like stepping back in time — you can almost hear the footsteps of vintners from long ago.”

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Wine Tasting: Sipping & Savoring

After the caves, the tour moves to the tasting room, where four distinctive wines from Monferrato are presented. The selection covers a sparkling wine, a white wine, and two reds. Each wine reflects the unique terroir and craftsmanship of this lesser-known but high-quality wine region.

The wines are paired with a platter of local cheeses and cured meats, giving you a chance to experience regional flavors in a relaxed, convivial setting. The guide explains the characteristics of each wine — perhaps a crisp, sparkling prosecco-like wine, a fresh white, and reds with bold or subtle profiles, all representative of Piedmont’s diverse wine culture.

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For Younger Guests: Local Snacks & Fruit Juice

Children or those not drinking alcohol aren’t left out — they receive a craft fruit juice and a selection of local snacks. This thoughtful touch means families can enjoy the experience together without feeling excluded.

Final Stop: Back at the Enoteca

The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving ample time to explore the enoteca or purchase wines to take home. Many visitors find this is a great opportunity to ask questions, get tips on regional wines, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

The Value of the Experience

At just over an hour and a half for $55.80, this tour offers excellent value. It’s not just about tasting wine; it’s about understanding the history and tradition behind the region’s winemaking. The guided tour of the caves adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue that larger, more commercial experiences often lack.

The fact that it’s held in a UNESCO site lends extra weight — these caves aren’t just a tourist attraction, but a part of the area’s cultural fabric. Pairing the wine with local food further enhances the experience, highlighting Piedmont’s reputation for world-class wines and hearty regional fare.

Group Size & Accessibility

This is a small-group tour, which enhances the intimacy and allows for more personalized attention from the guide. Guests have appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to ask plenty of questions. Accessibility-wise, the caves are available to pregnant women and are wheelchair accessible during the tasting, but note that the underground tour itself isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or pregnant women.

Practical Tips

Transportation: Since transportation isn’t included, consider renting a car or arranging a taxi to get to Cella Monte, which is about 45 minutes from Asti and 35 minutes from Alessandria.
Booking: Check the available starting times when booking, as the 1.5-hour duration makes it suitable for fitting into a day of sightseeing.
Language: The tour is conducted in both English and Italian, making it accessible for international visitors.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers who want a deeper understanding of Piedmont’s traditions. It’s also suited for history enthusiasts interested in the ancient caves and their cultural significance. If you’re traveling with family, younger children can enjoy the local snacks and fruit juice, making it a relaxing outing for all ages. However, those with mobility issues or pregnant women should consider the cave accessibility.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuine taste of Piedmont’s wine culture, this tour offers a distinctive look at the region’s underground heritage combined with a relaxed wine and food tasting. It’s a perfect way to learn about local traditions, enjoy some excellent wines, and experience a piece of UNESCO-listed history — all in a friendly, intimate setting.

While it requires some planning to get there, the authentic atmosphere and knowledgeable guide make it worth the effort. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply curious about Italy’s lesser-known wine regions, this tour provides a memorable, enriching experience.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to the starting point in Cella Monte is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way there, ideally by car.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with multiple start times available. Check the schedule when booking.

Is the underground cave tour accessible for pregnant women or wheelchair users?
Pregnant women can access the underground tour, and the wine tasting is wheelchair accessible. However, the caves themselves are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

What will I be tasting during the tour?
You’ll sample four wines from Monferrato: one sparkling, one white, and two reds, each paired with regional cured meats and cheeses.

Can children join the tour?
Yes, children are welcome and will enjoy a craft fruit juice with local snacks, making it family-friendly.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking in the caves. No special attire necessary, but bring a sense of curiosity.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the tour is available in both English and Italian, ensuring clear communication for international visitors.

Can I buy wines to take home?
Yes, the enoteca offers wines for purchase, so you can bring a taste of Piedmont home with you.

What is the cost of the experience?
The tour costs $55.80 per person, providing good value considering the cave visit, tastings, and food pairing.

Whether you’re passionate about wine, interested in historical caves, or just looking for a distinctive experience near Asti, this underground cave visit with food and wine tasting offers a memorable taste of Piedmont’s heritage.